A review by gabyaponte
Play It as It Lays by Joan Didion

dark reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This just wasn’t that good. It feels like Joan Didion had a lot to say with the character of Maria but didn’t effectively make the point. I understand that she’s trying to explore the mental health implications of abortion, toxic and abusive marriages, and dealing with a sick child (at least I think that was what was happening with the kid because the details were wildly lacking). However, I feel like Maria was definitely mentally ill but Didion didn’t give it a name and made it purposefully vague. This book is just dark and sad for no good reason because Didion doesn’t effectively make her point. 
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